South Korea approves casual attire for civil service interviews

South Korea's Ministry of Personnel Management has issued new guidelines for national civil service job interviews, recommending casual attire such as jeans and sneakers instead of traditional suits. The new policy, set to take effect in October, aims to reduce the financial and psychological burdens on applicants.

The ministry provided AI-generated images to illustrate suitable clothing, including jackets, knitwear, chinos, and flats. While casual wear is encouraged, certain items like hiking clothes, athletic wear, shorts, and sleeveless tops are not recommended. Notably, ties and formal dress shoes are specifically prohibited; the government stated that the noise from dress shoes has previously disrupted exam administration.

Public reaction to the announcement has been mixed. While some applicants welcomed the change as a way to avoid the expense of purchasing single-use suits, others expressed skepticism that candidates will move away from the traditional black suit, which is often viewed as the safest option.